First, before I go any further, I would like to say thanks to all my customers, fans, and friends for all the support and love over the years! Painting custom diecast has made it possible for me to meet a LOT of GREAT people and share momentous experiences with friends from all over the world. Those friends and memories are something I will never forget and will forever be honored to be a part of.
I am announcing this change now, but in reality, this has been coming for quite a long time. Ive not done any new paint work of my own since sometime early in November of 2015. I have since worked on some in process work, but thats all as far as my own paint productions. I have worked on occasion, in a designer capacity, with my good friend Dino from LB Customz (and plan on doing more designs for Dino in the future) but several things have gotten in my way and caused a block in my own productivity.
My wifes health, since her cancer diagnosis in 2013, has been my primary focus during her battle with the disease and its treatment. That has been perhaps the biggest factor and left very little time, also made it difficult to have inspiration to perform the paint work at the level I want and am known for. My own health has also been a major factor in this. I suffered my forth heart attack in April of 2016, and really, most of the time, its all I can to to focus on my wife’s and my own disabilities from our respective health problems. We havent given up by a long shot and do not intend to do so by any means…however…the stark reality is that normal tasks are now more difficult, take more effort, and sometimes are not possible as they were just a short time ago.
Unfortunately, I didnt realize just how much physical and mental effort it took to perform the paint work on such a small surface area. I have always just did whatever it took and most of the time it just sort of “flowed” when doing these tiny works of art. But over the last few years, it has become increasingly more laborious and taxing to complete diecast paint art works. In addition, the overall custom diecast market has been waning for a couple years now..and after 17 years of painting diecast, so is my passion. I just do not enjoy doing it as I once did and the monetary compensation is simply not enough anymore. As such, I believe it is time to pull the plug so to speak and move on to something that will better fit my situation and its restrictions.
I am truly sorry for the delays in a few very delinquent special orders that unfortunately have fallen into this trap of health and drive issues. Ive been trying as best I as can but, its just had to take a second spot to my wifes needs, not to mention my own at times. I have been working on and do fully intend on completing the orders that are overdue. As well as a couple commitments for charity auctions at upcoming conventions and hopefully, a small lot of “Final Run” KB Kustoms. Then however, I intend to indefinitely discontinue my own paint work on diecast pieces. As time allows, I do plan to continue working with Dino, doing designs in a collaborative position.
Thanks you so much!! Ive had a great time doing these Hot Toy Cars! But, its time I move on to something else and continue caring for my wife and self. I very much appreciate your consideration and patience in the transitional period. Watch for the final run cars and my future design works with Dino, which will be posted and sold here on Hot Toy Cars.
Kevan
KB Kustoms / Hot Toy Cars
7/4/2016
